Written by By Staff Writer
More than 30 people were injured when an entire section of a massive street festival in Brazil fell in on itself, sending the crowd scrambling into the nearby river, authorities said.
Officials in Minas Gerais state have said the authorities and firefighters tried to rescue victims, but “could not” amid high water levels in the swollen Amazônia river.
A video from the chaotic scene showed people rushing into the river in a desperate bid to avoid falling into the water.
The beach fair was the opening event of a festival in the small city of Tocantins, which was held to mark the end of a summer of music, food and fireworks.
Firefighters in Tocantins said that the collapse occurred around 7 p.m. local time on Saturday.
Dozens of Brazilians tweeted in the aftermath of the incident, expressing sorrow for the fallen.
“So very sad what happened yesterday, it was such a beautiful party, my prayers to those injured and those who lost their lives,” @Gisadayushi tweeted.